We fell into a healthy routine in Kyoto. We would identify a gorgeous temple worth visiting, then we’d out mostly on foot, but sometimes train, and sometimes taxi to find it. In the process we walked 7 or 8 miles a day, sometimes more.

Abby and me on the grounds of Higashiyama, a Zen temple with a sand sculpture of Mt Fuji. This was the starting point of our walk along the Philosopher’s path in Kyoto.

The sand sculpture is in the background.

We set out on the Philosopher’s path, an ancient trail along a river. Along the way, we had one of our best meals in Japan. Abby’s friend recommended this restaurant to us, and it did not disappoint. Besides us, no one was speaking English in this restaurant.

I had tasty Udon noodles and vegetables.

Abby and I bought a few things at a pottery shop along the Philosopher’s path. This was a short detour over the creek and into this very attractive shop with a friendly shop-keeper, a relative of the potter whose work adorned the shelves.

The shop-keeper gave Satkirin an origami crane.

Our next stop was the temple Eikando. Many women were dressed in Kimonos and makeup and were taking photographs of themselves using selfie-sticks.. Some had hired photographers to accompany them. One dressed up woman was upset that the photographer hadn’t taken a good picture of her. We moved on.

The next day we set out to hike on a different path. We took the train to get there.

The train we took to the temple on day 3 in Kyoto was decorated with images of flowers and nature.

We arrived in Kurume and the parking lot at the train station featured a statue of a Japanese demon.

The path between temples had an ancient decorated cedar.

Posing as we set out for a hike. Satkirin bowed at the Kurama shrine (below).

The hike ended along a beautiful verdant stream. All very green and very wet. Tired after our hike, we took the train back to our lodging in Kyoto.